Virtual Reel Gaming Interface With Credit Award Overlay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gaming machines lack engaging and interactive features that attract players and enhance gameplay experience.
Innovation Solution
A gaming machine with a display device and game control unit that animates virtual reels, displays credit award features, and allows players to interact through a touchscreen, featuring animated sequences and selectable credit award icons based on free games.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mechanical slot machines with simple reel operations are used, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the player engagement and attraction are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical reel systems with virtual reels displayed on a display device. The game control unit generates and displays virtual reel images, animations, and outcomes without requiring complex mechanical components. This substitution maintains the core gambling function while significantly reducing mechanical complexity and enabling enhanced visual engagement through computer-generated imagery and animated sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional static reel displays to multi-dimensional animated sequences with visual effects, sound effects, and interactive elements. The game control unit generates animated reel spinning sequences, win animations, and credit award displays that add temporal and visual depth, creating a more immersive player experience without increasing physical device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If video slot machines with computer-controlled displays are implemented, then player attraction and visual engagement are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The game control unit serves multiple functions: it controls virtual reel generation, manages credit award logic, generates animated sequences, handles player inputs, and coordinates display outputs. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated control system, the patent reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby lowering manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining enhanced visual engagement capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex animated sequences and credit award features are added, then player engagement is enhanced, but the processing requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The game control unit pre-generates and stores animated sequences, credit award displays, and reel imagery in memory. When gameplay events occur, the control unit retrieves and displays these pre-prepared visual elements rather than generating them in real-time. This approach enables complex visual presentations while reducing real-time processing requirements and system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming machine is described herein. The gaming machine includes a processor programmed to execute an algorithm to display an animated sequence of computer-generated images on a display device including the steps of rendering a plurality of games on a game screen with each game including a plurality of virtual reels, and animating each of the plurality of virtual reels to spin and stop to display an outcome of each corresponding game. The processor also displays a credit award feature by determining a number of free games associated with each corresponding game, determining a credit award range based on the associated number of free games, and animating a credit award selection screen onto the game screen overlaid across a portion of each corresponding game. The credit award selection screen including a selectable credit award icon displaying the determined credit award range.